Jaleesa Garner’s right foot continues to shine for the Brandywine girls soccer team.

Garner scored twice on Monday to lead the Bobcats past Michigan Lutheran, 3-1.

Brandywine, which improved to 2-0, got seven goals from Garner in an 8-1 win over Berrien Springs in the season opener.

“She’s had a huge impact on our team,” said Brandywine coach Evan Winkler about Garner, who’s a Cassopolis High School transfer. “It’s nice to look up at the scoreboard and see you’re leading. It definitely gives us a little more confidence and energy and it makes us work harder. I think we got some of those opportunities last year we just couldn’t finish. She’s a great finisher. She has great speed and she’s able to get away from everybody. It’s also nice to have her leadership.”

Garner’s breakaway goal just inside five yards gave the Bobcats the lead for good at 2-1 with 21:11 left in the match.

The sophomore standout added another breakaway goal with 13:34 left in the match.

Brandywine took a 1-0 lead after getting a goal from 15 yards from Mia Stella with 12:56 left in the first half. That would be the lone goal in the opening 40 minutes.

Michigan Lutheran tied the match at 1 after getting a goal from Hailey Maas with 34:29 left in the match. A Brandywine player kicked the ball and it deflected off of Maas’ shoulders into the goal.

Bobcats’ goalie Sloan Kangas stopped nine shots.

“Sloan loves to play goalie,” Winkler said. “She’s worked really hard. She had a lot of growing pains last year. I’m really proud of her effort today. It’s a big step forward for her. She can gain a lot of confidence from a game like today.”

Brandywine was able overcome 30-degree temperatures and a stiff wind that was going against them in the second half.

“We’ve been talking since day one about having no excuses,” Winkler said. “We have to have the mindset that we’re going to be able to play through the cold and rain. Just those little things can make a difference in a game.”

 

 Lutheran – 1

Brandywine – 3

Halftime score

Brandywine 1, Lutheran 0

 

First half

B – Mia Stella 12:56

 

Second half

M – Hailey Maas 34:29

B – Jaleesa Garner (Stella) 21:11

B – Garner 13:34

 

Shots on goal

Michigan Lutheran 15

Brandywine 17

 

Saves

Lutheran 8 (Emily Witkowski)

Brandywine 9 (Sloan Kangas)

 

Corner kicks

Michigan Lutheran 3

Brandywine 2